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_kael_'s review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Picked this up maany years ago, haven't gotten to trying to read it past the first few pages until now. 1st book of this world that I've read. Idk what to say. I found the entire book boring from start to finish unless there were villains in a scene, where the speed picks up. Spoiler-y review ahead.
I would recommend reading it up towhen Tod left to go to the Wizard Tower , then skip to the part where they discussed how "The Ancient Ways" worked for the first time at P. 193 , and then after that, finally skip to P. 353 "Queen's Council" then read to the very end of the book, because the book gets veeery descriptive which makes it slow-paced and thick. I don't see the relevance of the overly descriptive parts to the plot majority of the time. It seemed like a beautiful world but it also seemed like the author failed to make the 1st time readers care about it. A lot of characters and terminologies. I barely saw the importance of Tod, the main character, in the plot. It felt like Marcia was the most relevant character in the book, 2nd the Queen then Snow Princess the next. The last 2 being minor (minimal appearance) side characters. After them, everyone elso who had helped in the mission in the end. Aunt Mitza and the Malevolent Lady's intentions were also unclear. I disagree with the description saying it is good for first time readers of the world of Septimus Heap. About the humor mentioned and loveable characters, I only found 1 joke funny (Coconut) and resonated with 1-3 paragraphs that I liked as a 1st time reader, like Tod's thoughts about empathy, or when she gets homesick/lonely. The ending...????? I badly wanted to DNF this 50 pages in already, but gave it a chance. Halfway, I still found it super boring, I found it difficult to continue reading it. I couldn't wait to finish it and sell it, and I was soo thankful when I finally finished reading it. Though it was a veery beautiful book aesthetically. No spine creases, not a "brick book", beautiful artwork by Mark Zug, the covers had embossed parts, and the font suits the theme too. But was it worth it to continue reading/finish a book that I already have a sure feeling that I will dislike it? No. I suggest to just do an immediate DNF. I really tried and thought I'd get something good out of finishing a book I know I'll dislike. Nope. None. My ENG vocab expanded a bit though so that's good ig. I heard that the original Septimus Heap series was better I think, I'm assuming like A:TLA is to TLoK (though I didn't find TLoK this boring), but my experience doesn't really make me want to read Angie Sage's other works. Though I imagine it could be possible that this can be adapted into a film and be better than the books, like HMC, or HTTYD.
My only fave book quote:
"Oh, Ferdie, Oskar," Lucy said sadly. "lt's not that simple. Nothing ever is, believe me." Tod stepped in. "It doesnt matter whether it's simple or not. Sometimes you have to do what you feel is right." She looked at Ferdie and Oskar. "Even if no one else understands." Oskar looked surprised.
Sorry, but this book is really not for me. I wouldn't recommend it to 1st time readers of the Septimus Heap world. If u enjoyed, good 4 u. More power to the creators and supporters. U do u. On to the next book. Hope we all find the good books that we're looking for.
I would recommend reading it up to
My only fave book quote:
Sorry, but this book is really not for me. I wouldn't recommend it to 1st time readers of the Septimus Heap world. If u enjoyed, good 4 u. More power to the creators and supporters. U do u. On to the next book. Hope we all find the good books that we're looking for.
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Blood